You make some valid points. Spreading contagions does become a public health issue. But I think most of our current health issues used to validate legislation are more related to injuries than contagious diseases. Helmet and seatbelt laws and the like.
And doctors in America have always treated people out of a sense of responsibility and compassion. They may have been paid with money, chickens, produce or whatever their patient could afford. Or not at all. Many hospitals are created/funded by religious organizations for that same reason, to help people. Not to get rich. Although I think medical professionals deserve every dime they make. Even before Medicaid people in America got treated if they couldn't pay.
The picture you paint of corpses in the streets sounds more like the era of the Black Death than the 1900's when the government decided to start taking responsibility.
Are you OK then with potential medical costs that may be incurred by government on some level being the basis for legislating every aspect of your life? Regardless of whether or not you actually use that backup plan? Because that's what we're coming to. Everything's considered an epidemic. AIDS, obesity, drug use, depression, ADD ADHD, cancer. Anything considered preventable needs laws I suppose.
It's the old axiom, "He who pays the piper calls the tune."
